I think it would've been best if Goose hadn't outright said which episodes specifically spotlighted the characters.
Looking back on it, I would not have realized Zooble and Ragatha were the central focus of episodes 3 and five, respectively, if Goose hadn't said anything.
I think that might also be why the fans are more critical: that expectation was set by Goose herself. So naturally, we're disappointed when the promise isn't fulfilled.
Maybe it would've worked better if characters had their own episodes and adventures, something similar to Gangle's. It could risk being repetitive, but I think each adventure, personally striking the respective character, and the interactions that followed, would make up for it.
They're different because the characters and their experiences are different.
For example, since Ragatha admitted she used to have a farm, maybe there's a farm-themed adventure or some equivalent to one.
I do like the bar scene, but this could be an alternative way to get exposition and learn about Ragatha as a character. Here should admit to living on the farm. If the adventure has chickens, then mention that it reminds her of home. If there's some sort of livestock she hasn't raised, maybe have her say something like, "I'm not sure how to care for this animal. We never actually raised any [insert animal] before."
Maybe Ragatha feels bad for her lack of knowledge and tries to overcorrect. That could be a conflict. Or maybe we learn something deeper about her.
People theorize that Ragatha's mom was physically abusive and may be responsible for the event that correlates to her button. Whether that be a bruise or something that deserves jail time, like the knife theory.
For the sake of this example, I'm going to go with the theory that her mom was physically abusive.
It doesn't need to be outright stated, but maybe Pomni picks up on some mannerisms that Ragatha hasn't displayed before. Nervousness, maybe she's shying away from the adventure—something that is visibly shown to upset Ragatha.
Since Pomni is a curious character, have her investigate.
And like in Gangle's episode, the resolution has Pomni doing something for Ragatha that no other character has done. Whether that be in the current adventure or ever.
It would also help emphasize why Ragatha was willing to immediately stand up to Caine in episode 8. In her episode, Pomni would've gained that trust.
It doesn't even have to be a farm adventure. Maybe something like the softball adventure. But, you know, with more scenes that give some insight into Ragatha and build on her current relationship with the cast.
Maybe their adventure is like an extended version of the bar scene. However, I think a different one could work better as well.
I've mentioned this before, but I kind of wish we got an urban theme adventure. It's a scene that's familiar to Pomni, and we know she likes to explore, so why not see her in her element?
Maybe she takes charge here, displaying her leadership skills, or maybe she earns respect and trust from other characters just based on pre-existing knowledge about urban exploration.
She could say something like: "Hey, maybe we shouldn't go in there. It looks like it might have dead air."
Maybe someone asks her what that is, and Pomni will explain it.
Or maybe she recognizes which floorboards might not be safe to walk on.
Ultimately, in this adventure, the characters can't get out without her. So, they follow her lead. And then we can see more of the characters interacting with Pomni.
To tie back to Zooble, maybe they knew a little bit about urban exploration as well. Not to the same extent as Pomni, but enough that it becomes a bonding topic for both of them.
So in this episode, we'd see Zooble, but we're still learning about Pomni. As well as hints of the other characters who are reacting to Pomni taking charge.
At least, this is the quick minute fix-its I'm considering to make the characters in TADC work better.
They just needed to talk to each other more.